Radon and Lung Cancer Risk

Radon is a hidden, cancer-causing gas that can seep into homes through the foundation. Long-term exposure increases the risk of lung cancer and other lung issues. Radon is the top cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second for smokers. According to the American Lung Association, it is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. If you smoke and live in a home with high radon, your lung cancer risk is 10 times higher, according to the CDC.

How to Lower Your Lung Cancer Risk

The best way for non-smokers to lower their risk of lung cancer is to ensure Radon levels in their home do not exceed 2.7 pCi/L (picoCuries per liter) or higher. Due to the fact that 1 in 3 homes in Utah exceed these levels, it is recommended that every home should be tested for radon. Your home can have elevated levels of radon while your neighbor's home does not. Testing is the only way to know if radon is a problem in your home. Radon testing is easy and low cost, and it could save your life. Thousands of lung cancer deaths could be avoided each year if home and building owners acted to test and fix. It is easy and can be done in a few days. Simply buy a low cost, short term test from Alpha Laboratories (click here to purchase) and follow the instructions when it arrives. You can typically obtain a result in less than 2 weeks. If your results show high radon levels (2.7 pCi/L or higher), reach out to us, and we’ll guide you through the mitigation process.